Sweet Genovese

Basil, also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). The name "basil" comes from Latin, Basilius, and Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), "royal/kingly plant". Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia. It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell. There are many varieties of Ocimum basilicum, as well as several related species or hybrids also called basil. The type used commonly as a flavor is typically called sweet basil (or Genovese basil), as opposed to Cinnamon Basil (Thai basil).